❪ event ❫ khalo? can you hear me?

[natha]

In normal circumstances, this would have been near the time in which you're called upon to greet the newly awakened. Unfortunately, I speak to you to inform that we must postpone that — there is trouble on your horizon. What, I cannot see for sure. We shall continue to monitor the situation, however — we - ... we — [feed cuts off.] OLYMPIAN PRESERVATION     The city of Olympia is preparing the send-off of its most prized artifact: the heart of the ancient dragon, Ysverai. In doing this, they've transformed the palace court into an exhibition detailing the centuries-old war between Wyver and Olympia. Sculptures of Nithor the Exalted and his men and women in clean, white marble, while their armors are polished in perfect gold. Among Nithor are the sculptures of stallions in all shapes and sizes that also aided in the great war. Further in the exhibition, one may also find other artifacts of much older weaponry, rusted by its time in the earth, and items found from a time when humans feared the dragons. The Royal Guard has increased its numbers in wake of such a public event, particularly because the heart will be in display also. The heart is not what one might expect it to be: about the size of an average human, the heart's core is surrounded in stone, a red glow emitting from its still beating core. If that were not unsettling enough, one might also find that lingering around this particular exhibit will have undue affects on one's inhibitions. You'll notice your heart has fallen into sync with the organ, and your more selfish desires will come forth. Things that have long been buried will rise up and place you in a state of unease, encouraging paranoia about your companions intentions. Allow it to fester, and one will carry this feeling with them long after you've left the scene. It's probably a good thing this is leaving Olympia — perhaps it's a source of so much conflict you've endured. It's easy to become mesmerized by all the historical artifacts that are present in Olympia's exhibition. Some even seem mystical or, like Ysverai’s heart, to hold unspeakable powers. Others are just a little eerie. Either way, Olympia prides itself in its generosity and their grand displays, and so refugees are urged to learn more about their artifacts by spending the night in Palace Court. Though, someone should probably mention that there are rumors of strange, almost occult things happening around these relics at night. People speak of armored soldiers casting shadows that have the ability to walk on their own, or gemstones that catch the moonlight in a certain way and show you visions. But those are just silly ghost stories, right? TALL TALES OF KHALO VILLAGE     Because of Khalo's proximity to Wyver, it's no surprise that they would catch wind of the peace talks between Wyver and Olympia. In response, for the first time in centuries, Khalo Village has willingly granted passage to outsiders — but visitors will immediately find out that one cannot just simply walk into the village. Visitors will need to inhale the smoke of a fyrra herb in order to enter the premises without falling into slumber. Khalo is notably different than what refugees are used to. Visitors, specifically refugees, will find that they are exceedingly accommodating. The Khali are very intrigued by the outsiders, thus they're treated with much respect and given instant access to some of the best lounges and fyrra the village has to offer. In exchange, the village is interested in hearing about your journey thus far. Whether it be through a conversation with another individual or the Khali themselves, they'll very likely to have been eavesdropping and recording the tales of their exploits. Why, exactly? Perhaps it will not be immediately clear, but if you happened upon a venasou, a tamed Khali creature, it may have guided you to their Enchanted Library. Upon entering the library, visitors will notice that it is quite the happening place — but not because it's occupied by the Khali, but because there seems to be an assembly of magical quills seemingly writing on their own. The quills are mostly undisturbed by the intrusion and will not stop writing even if parchment is taken from it; it will simply produce another piece of paper and continue its tales. If you happen to read the parchment, you may notice that there is a daunting similarity between your story and the ones being written here. Tales of Thesa birthing new races and sending them from the sky, for example, are very popular in Khalo Village. They mark July 15th as the day in which the Moon Goddess, Thesa, created more people in her image and brought them to El Nysa as saviors. The coincidences don't end there: specifics about your home world might be found in the writings if you search deeply enough — but it's not without its exaggerations. These stories are given all sorts of poetic and literary forms, from short stories to limericks, biographies to something similar to haiku. If asked, the Khali will inform visitors that the enchanted library has access to vague parts of your memories, and thus it is duty-bound to record. The Khali have not seen stories as strange as the ones being made by refugees, which is largely why they are interested in them. NOTE: This is entirely optional! You may make up your own "stories" (fanfiction) and it could be as accurate or inaccurate, or as serious or silly as you'd like. While tales of the Thesa's descendants are still being written, visitors of the Enchanted Library might find intrigue in the more complete works — KING AND KIN. If one is willing to delve deep, they may also find parts of Wyver's past that have been removed from their own archives. These pages will recount the tales of Shanrian and Rasyc. Though a lot of the narrative seems to divide at certain points in the story, it becomes obvious with some quick reading that Rasyc is not only the son of Shanrian, but that he glorifies the Wyver of old, more bloodthirsty and brutal than it is today. Unlike his father, he does not take kindly to Olympia and the threat they will always pose for their people. He has not forgotten Olympia's past sins and he believes that, in his foolish quest for peace, the king has gone soft and no longer possesses the real will to fight. His present voice in affairs of state is not a loud one, as he chooses to speak in whispers and move in the dead of silence. In these quiet murmurings, he boasts of his unwavering belief in the power and dignity of his people. Of how they should all return to what they once were — the kingdom, its citizens, and naturally the father who he had once admired greatly. Though perhaps it can be argued that any estranged son would wish the same. It's difficult to pinpoint what becomes political and what is and always will be more personal for him. But, it hardly matters. It's clear that Rasyc will stop at nothing to achieve his objectives, even if it means never returning to place he calls home. Even if it means turning his back on his own father, Shanrian, King of Wyver... DRAGONFIRE. While tales of the Thesa's descendants are still being written, visitors to the Enchanted Library might find intrigue in the more complete works. In particular, tales of Ysverai, the last of Wyver's great high dragons. Ysverai is most commonly known for being slain by Olympia’s past king and legendary hero, Nithor, but here in Khalo he is depicted in another light. Ysverai is known to the Khali people as a wise being, old as the first inhabitants that walked El Nysa. The creature spoke in the common tongue to the early settlers, guiding them to refuge when his kin began to dominate the land at the cost of its own isolation. It ultimately becomes a tale of sacrifice, for its stand with Nithor became a testament against the Olympian Empire's long reaching influence. At the bottom, there is a quotation: Your hearts will fill with greed and malice the moment my own stops beating. Take care in the Eye of the Storm. Find strength in one another, before it is too late. It seems to end there. Refugees are naturally allowed to question the natives. However, keep in mind that many of their replies will seem more like speculation than fact. But maybe that can be fun too? If you have no interest in the library and the tales they've woven, feel free to explore any of the other areas of interest. Khalo Village is thrilled to be open for you all. THOSE THAT SEEK PEACE, AND THOSE THAT SEEK --     The morning of the 20th is marked by fairly dismal weather. The sky is overcast and a downpour seems imminent. Regardless of the poor forecast, those who signed up to assist in this mission will be required to come early in order to receive their briefing. Members of Group A: ▸ Jon Snow (song_of_ice) ▸ Daenerys Targaryen (dorzalta) ▸ Loras Tyrell (triplerose) ▸ Terra (earthy) ▸ Alisaie Leveilleur (adelphoi) ▸ Solider: 76 (personalwar) ▸ Ardyn Izunia (daemonized) ▸ Mai(maipokerface) ▸ Olivier Armstrong (wallsofbriggs) ▸ Atsushi Nakajima (gekkajuu) Members of Group B: ▸ Kale (kaleorbekaled) ▸ Diana Prince (wondie) ▸ Pheonix Wright (objectionattourney) ▸ Revolver Ocelot (shashka) ▸ Frederick (pebblestone) ▸ John Sheppard (impavid ▸ Ianto Jones (torchwoodteaboy) ▸ Lena Oxton (quevarly) ▸ Allura (quintessent) Due to the rain, members of Group A will have to immediately stop by the checkpoint at the East Watchtower. Additionally, the Royal Guard and Knightryders are well-prepared with extra cloaks for those who may require it. They also will provide basic refreshments such as water and bread. People are encouraged to take what they need prior to their departure on this mission. The checkpoints are a bit far between, after all. Members of the envoy will also be encouraged to utilize this time to become familiar with one another. Maybe some introductions are in order? You never know who will end up having your back... For both groups, the paths will be relatively straightforward with evenly spaced checkpoints along the way. The only issue seems to be the downpour, really. The rain is unforgiving and the roads easily become unstable and increasingly difficult for the carriage to be drawn through. Hence, there may be more than one occasion where you will be expected to lend a hand in prying out its wheels from a particularly pesky (and muddy) pothole. Or perhaps you will be called upon by a fellow guard to assist in getting a particularly stubborn creature out of the path ahead of you. Seems like it may be a longer journey than you expected. Dirtier, too. While weathering the conditions may have been a bit tiring, this journey isn't too bad, right? Well, maybe not. GROUP A. Once the carriage gets through the worst of the terrain and finally manages to depart from the watchtower, it won't be long until the group is met with a physical roadblock. A large tree trunk will be set down the center of the road, acting as a blockade. But, before the group can react or begin crafting a plan around this obstruction, the carriage will be attacked without warning. At first, it's unclear where the attack comes from or from whom, but you don't have the leisure to deliberate this. You hear one of your fellow guards mention something about bandits frequenting these parts, but maybe there's more to it? Either way, your task is clear: protect the artifact, Nithor's skull, and fight the bandits off. You'll be encouraged to try and capture them so that they may later be turned and questioned by the authorities. GROUP B. With clear motives to restock and collect a few more materials for the carriage, it's evident that the envoy will appear restless to arrive at the second checkpoint. However, despite their unspoken delight at seeing the South Outpost from a distance, it's clear something has gone awry. There will be several hooded figures awaiting them right where the mud path meets the cobblestone of the Outpost's road. Soon, several more of these figures will come to flank them from both sides. While they seem like bandits, at least from their physical appearance, there is something far more polished in their movements. They will be attacking the envoy in concise, practiced formations. For those who are more perceptive, it becomes obvious that they are moving around and acting as decoy to one central figure. This member is likely the "leader" of their group, but no matter how one may try to close the distance between themselves and this mysterious leader, someone will constantly get in the way of that. The fighting also seems to act as a distraction since by the time everything is cleared up... only two things are missing. The leader of this group of bandits and more importantly — Ysverai's heart. NOTE: Those RNG'd to thread out the capture and questioning of the bandits will have starters below. For everyone else that signed up, you will still have the opportunity to capture the assailants even though they were not selected to thread the interrogation; you are free to make up your NPCs with the same basic guideline: they will not reveal their motive or their organization. You may turn them in to authorities (Wyver or Olympia or otherwise) or find creative ways to get rid of them. FINAL OOC NOTE     To reiterate: you may use this log as a general mingle for everything from the May Outline, including all Khalo Village activities. In other words, your top-levels don't necessarily have to be related to the prompts written here. An AC-eligible thread in which your character participates in anything mentioned in the May Outline and/or Khalo Village location page may be submitted for 2 REP POINT FOR EITHER OLYMPIA OR WYVER. SUBMIT THE THREAD FOR OLYMPIA OR WYVER HERE OR HERE RESPECTIVELY BY June 10th 11:59 PM EST. For those who participated in this month's plot-related portion, to receive IC recognition for it, a summary of the thread must be submitted HERE by June 8th 11:59 PM EST. Please direct all queries to the question thread below. Thank you, and have fun! QUICK NAV premise ● faq ● lore ● map ● npcs ● bestiary taken ● atp/emp ● application ● rep/acp ● quest bulletin calendar ● hiatus/drops ● modbox [ FULL NAVIGATION ] elnysa nysalogs nysaisles nysaooc elnyan

Comments

[steponme]

[#crypires]

[But okay, that earns Reign another splash. The only visible marks right now are mostly around his neck, but they definitely go much lower than that.]

Come on, lay off... [HUFF]

[...]

...besides, doesn't it bother you? I mean, I figured you'd be-- you know... jealous.

[eaudevamp]

[ This time Reign just laughed as he moved away, shielding himself with one hand while using the other to splash back at Shell. When was it that they've ever played like this? Never, since they don't live near the sea. Or even a river/lake. ]

Uwahaha...! No way~

[ He stopped trying to escape and swam back to Shell's side, small smile on his lips as he shrugged a shoulder. ]

I don't know. I'm surprised I wasn't jealous. I thought I would be. But if it's with whom I think it is, then I've no problem. I mean... [ He twirled his index fingers, sliding a bit deeper into the waters. ] I've been with others before, so I shouldn't judge.

[steponme]

[So even Reign is surprised that he isn't... but that's a good thing, right? It's not like he wants Reign to be hung up on him forever. And with the time difference between them and just how long Reign was here without Shell at all, it makes sense...]

[It doesn't mean he can't pout about it though.]

But that's different, isn't it? I mean, you and I aren't... [...] You don't think... I'm a bad person for it, do you?

[Reign knows he's together with One back home, after all. Did it count as cheating when you were only together in the future?]

[And not to mention that kiss he shared with Reign back at Flona Cove... they never really talked about that either, did they?]

[eaudevamp]

If that makes you a bad person, then I'm just as guilty. I profess to loving you, and still do, yet I've done... things. With others.

[ It probably didn't feel as bad with Mephisto, considering he was a demon, despite being in the body of a human host. Or that time with Chuuya, mostly because he was in a lot of pain and wanted to forget it all. Reign could also delude himself that he and Chuuya hadn't gone "all the way". What would Shell think if he knew Reign had been with a human before? Possibly other humans too when he worked at Shades Darker. He could argue that it was a "job". ]

To be honest, I'm not sure either. Where we come from, we barely experience what it's like to love, or if it's all right to love more than one person at a time.

[ Maybe Reign was playing a dangerous game of "what-ifs", the possibility between himself and Shell, or at least giving each other more options and opportunities. ]

[steponme]

[Even though it's something he already knows, it's hard not to feel a slight twinge in his chest when Reign so casually says that he loves him.]

I wouldn't want you to stay single your whole life just because of how you feel about me. It's... not like you belong to me.

[He doesn't even need to be told, really. After hearing about Reign's time with Chuuya from the other man himself, it was easy to assume that indulging in things like that wasn't a one-time thing for Reign.]

[But as curious as he was, knowing that the lack of vampires left only one probable conclusion, it just didn't feel like his right to do so. Because Reign wasn't his.]

...but I belonged to One. So it feels different. He even told me once... that he wanted me to belong to only him.

[In a memory that's exceptionally unpleasant, for how much of a disaster that night ended up being.]

[But as much as that might sound like Shell rejecting that what-if... Reign knows how the story goes from there. Or at least, how it goes for this Shell. That despite loving him and wanting only him, One still decided to leave him. Looking at it logically, Shell had no reason to feel guilty for being with someone other than One.]

[But love was hardly logical.]

...I just wish I could talk to him. Maybe then... I wouldn't be so confused.

[eaudevamp]

[ Maybe it had grown to be a slightly different kind of love, after the three years since the event. It was a kind of affectionate fondness. Reign knew his love wouldn't be as deep as One's, though maybe it could be entirely difference once One wakes.

Shell's words were a stark reminder that neither did Shell belong to Reign either. He knew that, knew it for a long time now, but it didn't hurt any less. More of a dull throb, something Reign had come to accept. It wouldn't be fair to ask Shell to keep himself celibate for One, while he himself was off having fun and having affairs. Not that there was a lot people he'd slept with, but... ]

I think... I think he'll understand, the decisions you took, the things you do. He'll want you to be happy too.

[ Or would he? Especially if One were to wake and suddenly found out that Shell had formed relationships other than with him. Reign mentally shook his head, inwardly shuddering. If it was Reign, he may not like it either.

Suddenly unsure of what else to say, yet wanting to comfort Shell, Reign reached out under the water and took Shell's hand in his, giving it a squeeze. ]

[steponme]

[Happy, huh. Being with One had made him happy -- even when it hurt, when it was scary and painful, he knew deep down that he was happy.]

[But maybe that happiness just wasn't enough. One had said it himself -- he couldn't hurt Shell anymore. He loved him too much.]

[He wanted him to be healthy and happy. Even when he was gone.]

[...]

[Beneath the surface of the water, he gives Reign's hand a gentle squeeze in return.]

That's what I think too. I... I-I know I wouldn't want him to put his life on pause if he woke up and I was still asleep.

I just need to work on... accepting that it's okay for me to want things too.

[eaudevamp]

[ That was a relief to hear, and Reign relaxed a bit more, leaning into Shell. Depending on how deep Shell was submerged in the water, Reign may be laying his head on the other's shoulder or head. ]

Maybe that was what I'd felt too, you know, after I woke. Fearing I move too far ahead in my life, yet not wanting to stay stagnant. I don't think it's wrong to want things, to desire something.

[ There was a lull in Reign's words, before he continued in a curious voice. ]

At the Flona Cove... The kiss... [ And perhaps more. ] I don't regret it. I mean, I guess it's something special between us? Something different. Does it sound weird?

1/2

[steponme]

[He'll get his head -- Shell's shoulder probably has the worst bite of all on it, so that's definitely staying submerged if he can afford it.]

[But Reign's words bring him the comfort he was hoping for -- not an answer to his problems, per se, but a reassurance that at the very least, the people close to him aren't judging him for it. That they're here for him, and support his decisions. It's not quite self-acceptance, but hey, baby steps.]

[And speaking of--]

...I don't regret it either. [As if he could possibly regret kissing Reign.] I've actually been thinking about it a lot. And about you. What happened on the beach, and even what we're doing now... it doesn't really feel like something "just friends" do.

[...]

[steponme]

...or maybe I'm just overthinking it. Because I don't think "just friends" do what Chuuya and I did yesterday either.

[Just in case it wasn't completely obvious who gave Shell all these marks.]

But-- I don't know. You feel like so much more than a friend to me. I don't really know how to put it into words... maybe it is something special.

1/2

[eaudevamp]

[ Them soapiers had a lot of acceptance issue to work on, especially Shell. But hey, they were moving forward!

Reign nodded with a hum before he grinned, running his index finger along Shell's shoulder where he could feel a bit of marring on the skin. With their good eyesight, it wasn't hard to see them even through the water. ]

Heh, I've no doubt about that. Definitely did more than just cuddling.

[eaudevamp]

[ Though the teasing quickly died off, his voice going serious.

Reign, stop giving people whiplash. ]

More than friends, but not lovers. Strange but special. Maybe there's a word for it, we just don't know.

[ Definitely NOT fuck-buddy, though. That was way too crass. ]

[steponme]

[FLINCHES!! BRUH HE SAID IT WAS YESTERDAY, THAT STILL HURTS!!]

[--he likes it though. But now is not the time for that.]

That could be. This world seems a lot more open about relationships like that, so maybe we'll find the right word here?

[He leans into Reign a little more, giving his hand another squeeze.]

But for right now, maybe we just shouldn't worry about it? And just... let it be whatever it ends up being?

Because I know I-- I-I wouldn't mind if something like that happened again.

[eaudevamp]

[ See, Reign knew Shell liked a bit of pain, so he didn't hesitate to do that. Of course, it wasn't as if he purposely dug his nail in or anything. It was a light brush, and for Shell to flinch meant that the wound was deeper than just surface bruising. ]

Mn, hopefully so. Though even if there isn't such a word, it shouldn't matter so much. This is between us, and there's no other relationship like ours.

[ This was really nice, being with Shell, and those words brought a flush of colour to Reign's cheeks. ]

I'm... glad to hear that. We don't need to specifically do anything more, but like you said, let fate and the future take its course.

[steponme]

[Fate and the future... a new future, for them and everyone else once they awaken. Maybe the future back home was a good one, but that doesn't mean they can't have a good one here.]

[It feels like a heavy weight's been lifted off of him. One by one, he can see the knots that have been tying him down slowly straightening out in front of him. It seems fitting that it should happen in the first true neutral territory they've been to so far.]

...well, maybe we'll let "fate and the future" decide after these have healed up.

[He's not letting Reign count the bite marks!! ...not that he'll be able to hide them when they get out.]

[eaudevamp]

[ If anything, Reign was pleased to see that Shell was feeling better, like something had been lifted off his chest. That subtle darkness in his gaze was no longer there, or at least not so apparent. It made him very happy.

Maybe they should have talked things out earlier, instead of letting the issue fester for so long. But it seemed that brief distance allowed them to self-reflect, to open up and talk with other people instead, see new perspectives. ]

Oho? Are you sure they'll heal fast enough before you earn yourself a new set of marks?

[ Reign may try to sneak a few peeks, but he didn't actually need to see them to know those possible locations. Heck, it would be embarrassing for himself too if he saw them. ]

[steponme]

[It was true -- had Shell not had this recent experience with Chuuya, he might not have been able to find the words to suggest keeping up a similar relationship with Reign, even if they still haven't exactly delineated where, if any, their boundaries lie.]

[And as much as it might seem like he's approaching such a boundary right now-- well, if he were to be honest with himself, he kind of likes the attention and the little sparks of shame and humiliation it brings. And perhaps knowing that Reign doesn't feel jealous about what he did with Chuuya helps, too. He's never exactly had the opportunity to talk about his experiences with a third-party before, after all.]

[Though the mention of a new set quickly has his cheeks going scarlet.]

Th-That's-- they're only this bad because I fell asleep without treating them! I-I won't forget... next time.

[Because oh yes, there's gonna be a next time.]

[eaudevamp]

[ One of these days, Reign may sit down with Shell and tell him about a certain demon. A demon who made his heart go doki and filled him with conflicting emotions. But that day was not today.

Today, right now, was a time to tease Shell. However, rather than do that, Reign gently tapped Shell's shoulder, right at the spot he knew where the bite marks would be. A light tap, of course, just enough to possibly cause it to sting. ]

You should be more careful. Chuuya too. If it goes untreated, even for a few hours, the wounds could fester.

[ He didn't need to tell Shell about all kinds of unsavoury bodily fluid that could cause infections. ]

[steponme]

[A certain demon he'll never get to meet... alas.]

[But that just has him flinching again, a little shiver running down his spine.]

I-I know that! But usually One always took care of that for me...

[He mumbles that part a little with a pout -- not really wanting to spend too much time on comparing the two.]

Besides, we were... distracted.

[eaudevamp]

[ One less pretty vamp boy in said demon's harem. More for Reign to monopolise. Hah!

All right, Reign was going to stop touching Shell too much. ]

But have you treated it? After the distraction?

[ Otherwise, Reign was going to give Shell a pep talk on aftercare. Thank you, demon master, for the important lesson. ]

In fact, you shouldn't be soaking in the water this long.

[steponme]

[Oh, he's free to touch more, but that depends on whether he's ready to embrace his inner sadist and turn Shell on some more.]

Of course I did. I just came into the water to cool down... and maybe soak my back a little. We woke up on the floor this morning, so it's a little sore.

[..........]

[He just admits this kinky detail without even thinking about it??]

[His face flushes brighter as he realizes it, though. They really did have a pretty wild night.]

[eaudevamp]

[ Reign blinked, taking that in. It shouldn't be surprising, but hearing more details was definitely putting extra imagery in his mind. ]

Wow, you two must have been desperate enough to forgo a bed or couch, and tired enough to pass out after sex.

[ It must have taken a lot of energy and effort, seeing as vampires like them don't tire easily.

Props to Chuuya. Bravo. Have a pat on the back. Job well done. ]

[steponme]

M-Maybe a little. It was... pretty intense.

[It's not like Reign had too much of an idea of just how rough Shell liked it, beyond simply getting a look at his playroom and that whole "hit me with that whip" thing.]

[Of course, while Shell was starting to find it rather thrilling to actually talk about, it's not like he's completely ignorant of the company he's in.]

...this isn't too awkward, is it? We can talk about something else instead, if you want.

[eaudevamp]

[ Yeah, Reign could imagine that, having been a recipient to Chuuya's knife play once. He should try that again, maybe with some else who was just as experienced. If nothing else, then some kind of edge play. Yup. Jotting that down in his mental memory. ]

Urm... a bit? I think? I don't know if you want to listen to mine.

[ For example, a certain demon? Or even the possible hanky-panky he may or may not be doing with Diva in another thread. ]

[steponme]

[Ah, maybe he shouldn't have been saying so much after all... but that last bit has him curious. Since he has been curious.]

I've never said that. I mean, we never really talked about this kind of stuff back home, since... I was still hiding it. But I am a little curious-- since you did say you've been with others here.

[HE SAID IT TWICE, EVEN...]